Recumbent Honda 90

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by renault_megane_dci

I don't know if MP3 are available in Brazil ;-)

It is available in Brazil, but too expensive.

The issue with the MP3 is it's very heavy to start with

Considering some frame mods that would be required in a Honda frame to turn it into a tricycle it wouldn't actually remain so light. But at least I could keep it lower, which would be better for what I'm considering to do.

[renault_megane_dci]

MP3 does solve the stop stability issue through the price of increased width and issues associated with CVT transmission (moderate tunability, expensive price, efficiency).
I would be reluctant to use one.

[Quasiff]

Where did you source the dustbin fairing?

[renault_megane_dci]

I was wondering : did you finally changed the sprocket ?
Because it occurred to me that Honda might be using the same gearbox from 50cc to 125 variant and small wheel to big wheel only playing with the sprocket leaving you with no potential.
Am I right ?

[Ironside]

Where did you source the dustbin fairing?

One of my colleages in the c90 club, been sitting in his shed for a number of years. They are available from TGA.CO.UK Ltd.

I was wondering : did you finally changed the sprocket ?

Huge choice of rear sprockets from 34 - 50 tooth, unfortunately I'm unable to source anything other than a 14 tooth front sprocket, it's a special sprocket designed for the selectable high/low ratio gearbox. This is not a huge problem, as I can cut and weld a larger sprocket on to the carrier, it's not a easy swap so I've avoided doing it until it becomes necessary. Currently running a 36/14 combination, geared for 60 mph at 8000rpm.

[renault_megane_dci]

My mistake.
I was still thinking about your too high a rpm while cruising and remembered that I saw some horizontal single with a very small rear sprocket.
But now that I think about it, Innova doesn't fall in this category so my hypothesis falls appart.

[PaulBlez]

Originally Posted by renault_megane_dci

MP3 does solve the stop stability issue.

Not really. It would be a very brave man (or woman) who did not leave themselves the option of putting a foot down with an enclosed MP3.
You can see from this photo that my Belgian friend Steve Van den Berghe wisely fitted hinged foot flaps for precisely that reason.
Van den Berghe CabinMP3 | FF Web

However, the drawback with the MP3 is that the two front wheels are precisely where you want to put your feet once you're on the move, for a more laid-back recumbent position!
Peugeot's new rival TTW, the Metropolis 400, has a bit more legroom, but the problem is still there. Peugeot Metropolis 400i review - Telegraph
And the two front wheels are themselves less aerodynamic than one.
PNB

[Ironside]

The wee beastie is almost finished. I say 'almost' because I don't think it will ever be completely finished, projects like this tend to continually evolve.




It's the first time I've used basecoat and clearcoat from a gun, I got some bad advice and consequently ended up with a poor finish. To be honest, the fairing moulding is more than a little uneven, so the job would never be perfect. Just to pove a point, I gave the tank a coat of clearcoat, and going with my gut feeling with regards to gun pressure and paint thickness, the result was almost perfect.




Took it out for a run yesterday, probably because of some recent air filter changes I could feel it holding back between 3/4 and full throttle so I think a bigger main jet is needed. Nevertheless I was clocked at 65 on the flat, so with some gearing changes I think my target of 70 is realistic.

Did a 55 mile run along A roads, B roads and dual carriageway and I wasn't 'hanging about', fuel consuption was 166 m.p.g result !. General running around before fitting the fairing was between 100 and 120 mpg., so a 40% improvement which I think is in line with general consensus.

I have more testing to do, I'm hoping for 200mpg. at a steady 50 mph cruise along a flat road (not easy to find in Wales).

It's too early to tell whether gusty conditions will effect stability, I've been reading Teri Tx's thread with great interest and will be incorporating a 'storm strip'. I will report results on his thread.

[Jyden]

Fantasstic job. Keep us posted on developments and mpg.

[P-hack]

That is really good improvement in speed and mpg, and I like that the fairing is prefab (and not TOO expensive) plus simple gearing changes. 45mph to 70mph, 110mpg to 160mpg. I think we are going to see quite a few more "streamliners" after folks realize the low cost and relative ease of this kind of project with those kind of results.

And it looks quite comfortable to ride, laid back and lots of protection from the elements from head to toe (especially if you can keep moving). I've ridden naked bikes year round in the midwest, that looks positively luxurious